Neonatology (NICU)

336-713-6428

Hours

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

NICU FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose the NICU at Brenner Children’s Hospital?

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Brenner
Children’s Hospital is one of the largest and most comprehensive intensive care
nurseries in North Carolina. Our state-of-the-art NICU provides the highest
level of patient care in the region to critically ill infants and newborn
babies. Our NICU team includes neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners,
nurses and respiratory therapists, all of whom are specially trained to provide
critical care for babies.

Our neonatologists work with a team of more than 120
multidisciplinary pediatric specialists across Brenner, including pediatric
surgeons, pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric anesthesiologists, to
create individualized treatment plans for each baby we treat.

What are the NICU visiting hours?

Brenner Children's NICU is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We
encourage parental presence any time of the day or night.

We feel it is essential that you have direct contact with
your neonatologist, who can be reached by phone at any time. Additionally, your
baby’s nurse can help you contact a doctor by paging the on-call neonatal
physician and assisting in scheduling a meeting.

Who are the people on the NICU team?

Brenner Children's NICU team is made up of a team of leading
experts specially trained in the care of critically ill newborns. Our
exceptional and renowned team of neonatologists, nurses, fellows, residents,
respiratory therapists and other health care professionals – one of the largest
teams of its kind in North Carolina – works together to ensure your child
receives the best possible care and treatment. Learn more about our
neonatologists and other health care professionals.

Does the NICU have security?

The security and safety of your baby is one of our top
priorities. Our NICU is fully secured by a special system designed to
protect our patients. Your doctor and nurse will review these security
procedures and policies with you when your baby is admitted.

What does your nursery look like?

There are a total of 40 beds in the Brenner Children's NICU and
intermediate nursery. The NICU has 28 beds in 4 open suites and the
intermediate nursery has 4 rooms with 3 beds each. Both areas are specially
designed for easy access to our patients and to give more room for you and your
family to share valuable time with your infant.

Is my baby going to be okay?

Our neonatologists are experts in their field; many of them
have been caring for critically ill infants for more than 20 years. We use the
latest in clinical and technological advancements in the care of our patients
and will do all that is medically possible to ensure your child has the best
possible outcome during his or her stay at the NICU.

What types of health problems do you treat?

The state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at
Brenner Children’s Hospital provides the highest level of patient care in the
region to critically ill infants and newborn babies. Our experts care for all
types of congenital and acquired health conditions in infants. View a list
of many of the conditions treated by our team of highly trained doctors.

What is Kangaroo Care?

Kangaroo Care is a type of therapy in which there is
skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby. In this treatment, your baby is
held upright against your bare chest for at least one hour. There are many
benefits to this novel type of therapy, including potentially decreasing the
time your baby stays in the hospital, helping your baby maintain more regular
breathing and lowered heart rates and enabling direct bonding between you and
your child. Contact a NICU nurse to learn more about Kangaroo Care.

Do you have a lactation consultant on staff?

Yes, the NICU lactation consultant works closely
with families during their child’s stay and assists mothers who
choose to breastfeed their infants.

What are your visiting procedures and policies?

The Brenner Children’s Hospital NICU is open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Parental presence is encouraged at all times. Your healthcare
team will review with you all the things you will need to do when sharing time
with your baby – thoroughly washing your hands is always at the top of the
list.

Can big sisters and brothers spend time with their new baby
sibling?

We have a special big sisters and brothers policy. Your
healthcare team will review with you more about when brothers and sisters can
visit their new sibling.

How do you prepare families to take care of their children
at home?

We have special parenting rooms available for each family
prior to their child’s discharge from the NICU. These parenting rooms are
private rooms where families sleep and care for their babies, with nurses and
other staff available at all times to provide full support and answer any
questions.

What type of follow-up care do you provide?

Located at Amos Cottage, the Follow-up Program is
specially designed to provide long-term follow-up care for infants who were
patients of a NICU. The programs multidisciplinary team monitors your child’s
emotional and physical development carefully. Our experts spot problems early,
if they arise, and take steps to help your child get back on track.

Why do you participate in clinical research trials?

Pediatric research is an important part of our mission at
Brenner Children’s Hospital. Each year, our experts participate in numerous
clinical trials or research studies. The goal of research is to find better
treatments for children and improve health outcomes.

In addition to the various clinics, rooms and support
services at the Brenner Children's NICU, families also have access to on-site laundry
facilities. Families may also use the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Provided to Brenner by the Ronald McDonald Foundation, this room provides a
quiet respite for parents to have a snack, check their e-mail or sit and visit
with other family members.

What is the Ronald McDonald House?

Located directly across the street from the Wake Forest
Baptist hospital campus, the Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for
Brenner Children's patients’ families (including siblings) who live outside of Forsyth
County. The Ronald McDonald House has 35 bedrooms, living rooms, playrooms
and a playground where big sisters and brothers can play. Ronald McDonald House
volunteers provide freshly prepared meals each day for visiting families.
Family assistance program volunteers also provide support to all family members
during their stay. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House, visit their
website.

What kind of support groups do you have for families of NICU
patients?

A NICU support group, led by a mother of a former NICU baby,
meets regularly at Brenner Children's and is part of the Family Support Network of Greater
Forsyth. Contact a health care team member or your critical care navigator to
learn more about this support group for families of NICU patients.

What is family-centered care?

Family-centered care is a type of patient care in which our
health care team provides care for an entire family. We are available to answer
all of your questions and help with any concerns you may have during your
child’s stay at the Brenner Children's NICU.

Do you provide tours of the Brenner Children’s Hospital NICU
for parents whose children will be in the NICU shortly after their birth?

We provide regular tours of Brenner Children’s Hospital and
the NICU. These tours can be arranged by speaking to a member of your health
care team. Your tour will be conducted by a social worker, who will show you
our various clinics, describe our services, introduce you to your clinical team
(including the transport team) and show you all of the resources available to
you, including the Ronald McDonald House, which is located just across from
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

The information on this Website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have a medical problem or a health-related question, consult your physician or call Health On-Call at 336-716-2255 or 1-800-446-2255.